Chaminade raises $25M for campus construction

An extra $12 million boosts scholarships and endowments

Chaminade University has raised about half of its $50 million capital fundraising goal, according to school officials.

More than $25 million in capital gifts and pledges has been raised so far as part of a fundraising campaign being held in connection with the school's 50th anniversary, Chaminade officials said this month in a news release.

In addition, about $12 million has been given for student scholarships, programs and other endowments for a total of $37 million, school officials said.

The money for capital improvements will go toward $50 million in building projects, including a new $10.3 million library and information resource center.

The new 30,000 square-foot library will house a technology center, electronic classroom, computer laboratory, group study areas and expanded library collections, school officials said.

"The three-level library will provide resources for our growing student population and earn the reputation of the first new permanent structure built on campus in more than 30 years," said Chaminade University President Sue Wesselkamper in the news release.

Other building projects include new or renovated classrooms, science labs and dorms.

"Transformations: The Campaign for Chaminade University of Honolulu" officially began at a 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Monarch Room on April 5.

The Chaminade Board of Regents approved the fundraising campaign in the spring of 2002, and it should be completed in 2008.